Page 76 of Sinner's End

They can wait. Besides, Harken’s entry clause does have some obscure wording about those lower levels. A “just in case” liability option to cover my girl’s peachy ass and ours in case she or our resident reaper needs to go on the rampage.

Turns out our little bratty fallen has an eye for contract law. Who knew.

She tilts her head to one side, her eyes aglow with the sort of fervor that promises a damn fine night in the making.

“Mine.” Her gaze sweeps across every male she claims, marking us.

“All of you.”

The girl we unite for, push away enmity and feuds thatwould otherwise end us all.

Ours for an eternity.

Epilogue

The God Complex

Asmodeus

“You understand the terms?”

I watch the young woman who sits across the oak desk from me with narrowed eyes. All faded blonde streaks grown out to her dark roots and sallow skin that hangs below eyes that once sparkled now are dull. This creature is lost. There is no better place for her than Hell’s Gate. But she must prove to me that she needs my help before I allow her into my institute.

“I read the contract.” A faint degree of her previous bratty behavior ekes through her exhausted facade.

Except, her fatigue is real. She’s hit her limit. This is what’s left at the end of a long run of endless parties, greed, and drugs of a very specific variety.

I nod slowly, accepting that she needs the help only I can provide. “And you agree to the treatment? Once you’re in my care there is no simply walking away,” I caution.

My guest picks at lint baubled on her pink jumpsuit that fits to her lightly curved frame, so similar to her twin sister’s. “I understand. I can’t keep going,” she whispers.

A breath escapes me as my lips purse. “The program is arduous. It isn’t kind. I’ll need you to sign every page. Please take your time and read through each,” I say kindly, knowing she won’t.

Emma flips her hair back, but her dirty locks fall over her face as she leans forward and signs her freedom over to me with a shaking hand. Her brow creases as she reaches the last page. It’s always the hardest.

I place my hand lightly over hers. “It’s all right. I understand.”

Thick lashes flutter as she looks through them at me. “Idon’t want to be alone anymore. Promise me?” A single tear falls.

In a previous life she might have used that move to intimidate or manipulate. Today she bares all in the most honest sign of trust I believe she’s ever given anyone.

I squeeze her fingers and lie to her face. “I promise. You’ll never be alone again.”

The corners of her mouth strain but she can’t smile. It will be a long time before that happens for her, if she ever can again in my care. Without reading the final clause on my contract, she signs her name, sliding her fingertips along the sheaf and tidying the pile as she hands them back.

A gasp escapes her lips as the sharp edges of the pure white paper designed to do exactly that slices her flesh open in the slightest of papercuts. Just enough to leave her mark on the page.

She stares at the bloodstain as more tears fall. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, Emma. Welcome to Heaven’s Gate Rehabilitation Center.” I place the papers in the top drawer of my desk, shut and lock it, pocketing the key in plain sight.

Her eyes track the movement, an action designed to instil doubt on an already teetering subject. My program has begun.

“Maybe I—” she begins.

I cut her off. “Shall I show you to your room?” It’s not a question.

Emma nods, resigned, and lets me take her bag from her limp fingers. The moment her body is close to mine I feel it. Fainter than with her sister, but the same sense of possession. She is not Adreana, but she’ll do nicely to fill the spot my spawn stole from me.

---